"3000 illustrations ... costume through the ages, covering dress, jewelry, ornament, coiffure and ... other elements"--Cover
v. 1. The Ancient Orient ; The Nile ; The Greek sphere ; Romans and barbarians ; The Roman Catholic Church ; The Dark Ages: Feudal power ; Knighthood in flower: XII century ; Feudal lords and kings: XIII century ; The rising bourgeoisie: XIV century ; The Renaissance begins: XV century ; Culture moves north: XVI century -- v. 2. Culture moves north: XVI century (cont'd) ; The world widens: XVII century ; The revolt of minds and men: XVII century ; The mills rise: XIX century